Linking with Tom's Signs. Please check this link for more signs from around the world.
Monday 2nd - A public holiday in Western Australia and my birthday too. I just had a small celebration lunch at home, with family and my long time friends (42 years!) Wendy & Lido.
 |
| Desserts for my birthday lunch |
Tuesday 3rd - Drove to the beach suburb of Cottesloe to meet up with Grace and Iris. The "Sculptures by the sea" exhibition usually starts on the 1st of March, but this year it was only starting on the 6th, ending on the 23rd of March, but as Iris was leaving the following day ...
We still got a peep at the artists setting up some of their artworks, others were still wrapped up... We still had a good time walking on the beach, then lunch at one of the local cafes.
 | ||
The sculptures were being set up at the beach
|
A neighbour had invited locals to go over to his garden and look at the total lunar eclipse (blood moon), so after dinner we walked over and were surprised at the number of families lined up to have a peek through the telescope.
Thursday 5th - Together with my Italian neighbour Maria and a friend of hers we attended "Spark Club" at my local Riverton Library. This will be a free attendance series held once a month for the next couple of months, where participants meet new people, learn something different and enjoy great music.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
That day the theme was "50's Music", and Annette, The Juke boxlady entertained us with the historical events of each year, and then sang a popular song of that year. She had an amazing voice, the songs were fantastic and Annette was such a great connector.
After a break for coffee and snacks, Annette talked about hobbies, then half the group sat down to a painting session and the other half was taken to the "Makerspace" - a creative space in the library for crafters, makers and tinkerers. I learned that the library gives induction courses to the equipment they have available: sewing machines, overlocker, pro-laser cutter, 3D printers, Cricut maker, plus they supply some crafting materials.
I'll enrol Jose for the 3D printing and Laser cut workshop, as it's something he will enjoy.
That evening Jose and I returned to the library to attend a talk with former ABC Radio host and author Geoff Hutchison, about his book "How not to become a grumpy old bugger". The attendees were mostly older than us, and I was surprised to actually see so many men, but as Geoff said "they were probably there under duress" 🤣.
Juices, wine and nibbles were served and at the end I bought a copy of the book an had it signed by the author.
 |
| The book and the author signing copies of his book |
Friday 6th - We had our usual monthly Codfish dinner at the WA Portuguese Club. This time my Italian friend/neighbour Maria came with us.
Saturday 7th - My first volunteer session at the Spearwood Library reading "Stories in Portuguese" for children 2-10 years old. This session hadn't been held for 3 months, so I only got 3 kids, but I really enjoyed doing it. I read 2 books, we sang 3 songs and then the kids painted a picture I had photocopied for them.
 |
| At the Spearwood Library |
When I returned home we attended a house auction a few blocks away. Strangely enough a lot of people there, but only 3 people bid. Generally when the houses are sold in the normal way, I've heard there are a lot more offers. Still I think the sale was a record for the neighbourhood - good for some, bad for most.
At 2pm I left again to meet up with some of my ex-work colleagues and one of the Doctors at Dome Cafe in Manning. Always nice to catch up and hear how everyone is doing back at work.
Sunday 8th - my daughter Karina's birthday. I can hardly believe a year has gone by since we had the big 4 generations birthday party in Portugal! Due to the security threats in Qatar, Karina wasn't able to celebrate as people were urged to remain indoors. They managed to celebrate on the 14th with a party at home, attended by a few of their friends.
Wednesday 11th - Jose and I took the train to Subiaco, as Jose was going to dinner with 2 of his former work colleagues and friends. We, the wives also had dinner together, and went to an Italian restaurant in Subiaco also.
Upon on return, we called my Dad to congratulate him on his 93rd birthday.
 |
| Poster in the train, transport prices have gone down |
Friday 13th - A neighbour in one of Facebook neighbourhood group asked if someone could give her sick dog his medication and dinner whenever she worked night shift as a nurse. I volunteered and met up with the lovely K and dog Rio. It could be once a week or up to 3 times a week, they live just 4 minutes walk away and it's lovely to get some cuddles.
 |
| A rainbow seen in the park across the street |
Saturday 14th - Jose and I celebrated our friend's daughter's 18th birthday party at their local Community Centre. Plenty of good food, music and company.
Wednesday 18th - Drove to Beeliar to meet with Jan and Gill, work colleagues who retired about 15 years ago, at "Portuguese Delight" Cafe. We still meet every 3 months or so for a catch up.
Friday 20th - I booked our tickets to fly to Portugal in May. Originally we planned on flying via Qatar to spend a few days with Karina, but with the uncertainty of the "war" we changed our plans and will be flying via Kuala Lumpur, then Istanbul to Lisbon. On the way there we will stop 3 days in Istanbul and on the way back we will stop 3 days in KL. The main purpose will be to finish my dental treatment - attach the final crowns to the implants done in October last year. Due to some health challenges with my parents I also wanted to be present for their 67th wedding anniversary on the 13th of May.
Saturday 21st - Jose and I attended a very informative workshop at the Canning River Education Centre about Water Collection and Re-use of gray water at home.
In the afternoon we went to our granddaughter's 7th birthday party.
Sunday 22nd - We finally went to Cottesloe for the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition. Starting on the 6th of March and ending on the 23rd, this 70 + sculptures attracts more than 200 thousand visitors to the beach and is one of WA's largest free public events.
 |
| A sign at Cottesloe Beach |
Sunday 29th - The receptionist who took over my job as Practice Manager at the clinic organized a get-together for all the current reception staff and included 3 of us - the recently retired ones.
After that I drove to Fremantle for another meeting with the committee of the WA Portuguese Australian Women's Association, to discuss our next event on the 2nd of May. I walked past The Piazza to take a better photo of Bordalo's II mural and found another mural being painted between his mural and Ketone's 6000 mural! The artist wasn't there but the mural appeared almost ready.
 |
| The new unfinished mural in blue next to Ketone's mural |
Tuesday 31st - Jose and I took the train into the city and then onto the Subiaco (6 stops altogether) to meet up at the Subiaco Hotel to celebrate the birthday of our friend Wendy.
 |
| Fish & chips and custard pie and berry ice-cram |
 |
| Sign for Ramadan at one of the shopping centres |
 |
| Personalized number plates |
 |
| Chevrolet 1957 |
 |
| Dove and gallah in my garden |
 |
| Books I read |
